8 Best Keuka Lake Wineries to Visit in the Finger Lakes

If you’re a wine lover planning a trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York, a visit to Keuka Lake wineries is a must. And in this guide, I’m uncorking all the details you need.

This small lake has had a big impact on the U.S. wine industry. And it’s built a reputation as one of the top cool-climate wine-growing regions in North America. 

Now, with more than a dozen wineries to choose from (not to mention 100+ others in the surrounding Finger Lakes), it can be hard to narrow down the must-visits. 

As a certified wine expert, I’ve personally done the research for you. I’ve tasted my way through the region multiple times and hand-picked this short list of the best Keuka Lake wineries. 

So, let’s dive in and start planning your unforgettable wine tasting adventure!

The Best Keuka Lake Wineries

These Keuka Lake wineries shine for their outstanding wines, stunning lake views, memorable tastings, and warm hospitality.

While you’re planning your Finger Lakes wine adventure, be sure to check out my guides to Seneca Lake wineries and wine tasting at Canandaigua wineries. Plus, don’t miss the best North Fork Long Island wineries if you’re also visiting the NYC area.

1. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

A visit to Keuka Lake wineries isn’t complete without stopping by Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery.

Known as the “Father of Vinifera,” Dr. Frank had a passion for wine from a young age. In 1951, armed with a Ph.D. in viticulture and a wealth of experience, he immigrated from the Ukraine to the U.S.

Despite being told that Vitis vinifera varieties could not be grown in the Finger Lakes, Dr. Frank persisted. And in 1957, he planted the first successful vinifera vines in the Eastern United States.

The following year, he purchased 188 acres on the west side of Keuka Lake. And by 1962, he founded Vinifera Wine Cellars (now Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery). Since then, his award-winning wines have been served at the White House and even to the Queen of England!

After Dr. Frank’s passing in 1985, the winery has been passed down through four generations. Their vineyards are split between Keuka and Seneca. Keuka brings a mineral style to Riesling and elegant reds. Seneca offers more warmth for ripening grapes like Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Noir. 

They use French oak barrels and also experiment with clay amphoras and skin-contact whites. 

Wines to Try

Dr. Konstantin Frank wines are stunning. The Rieslings are of course fantastic. But I also loved the sparkling Brut Rosé with its delicious aromas of brioche and red berries.

And they’re making some impressive reds, too. If you like Bordeaux-style wines, don’t miss the Meritage blend.

Visiting Tips

Make a reservation at their tasting room for a seated experience guided by knowledgeable wine educators. I recommend getting the cheese and charcuterie board to pair with your wines. 

Or for a deeper dive, they also offer the educational (and tasty!) 1886 food and wine experience. And check out Eugenia’s Garden for a more casual option — sip wine, enjoy the view, and unwind.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, 9749 Middle Rd, Hammondsport, NY

2. Weis Vineyards

Nestled on Keuka Lake’s east side, Weis Vineyards is a newer gem. But it’s already making waves, being named New York State’s Winery of the Year in 2022 and 2024.

Hans Peter grew up in his family’s vineyard and winery in Mosel, Germany. After formally studying winemaking and a stint in Sonoma, he found himself in the Finger Lakes. And that’s where he met his wife, Ashlee, a Hammondsport native. 

In 2016, the two founded Weis Vineyards. And the tasting room opened its doors in the spring of 2017. They’ve since graduated from the one-room schoolhouse to a breathtaking space overlooking the lake.

While they have a small estate vineyard planted in 2020, they mainly source grapes from other Finger Lakes growers.

Wines to Try

Weis makes excellent Rieslings in a variety of styles, from bone dry to sweet wines. The Grüner Veltliner was also one of the best I had in the Finger Lakes, with mouthwatering acidity and crisp lemon-lime flavors. 

For red wine lovers, don’t miss the delicious Cabernet Franc, with beautiful cherry and cranberry notes. And try the Blaufränkisch, with its smooth red berries and a touch of spice. 

Visiting Tips

When you visit, you can enjoy a tasting in the rustic but elegant barn space. Their knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide you through the experience. 

Or grab a glass or flight and relax outdoors at the picnic tables overlooking the lake. All seating is first come, first served, as they don’t take reservations.

Need a nibble? Their retail shop offers local cheeses, crackers, and snack packs. And keep an eye on the calendar for special events, including Thursday summer happy hours with wine, beer, food, and live music.

Weis Vineyards, 10014 Day Rd, Hammondsport, NY 

3. Keuka Lake Vineyards

At the southwestern end of the lake, you’ll find Keuka Lake Vineyards — a small, family-owned farmstead. 

After retiring, Mel and Dorothee Goldman settled in the Finger Lakes in 1997 and purchased a vineyard. What started as selling grapes soon turned into winemaking glory when their trial batch received resounding praise in France.

In 2005, guided by Morten Halgren of Ravines Wine Cellars, they uncorked their inaugural vintage. And adding winemaker Margot Federkiel, hailing from Napa and Anderson Valley, their team was complete.

They now have plantings on 35 acres, many on steep slopes. One is even aptly named “Falling Man” because, well, tractors have been known to take a tumble there! 

Fun Fact: The Silvernail Vineyard is the site of the original Gold Seal Wines plantings. This means they have some of the region’s oldest vines, like 150-year-old Concord grapevines and 50-year-old Léon Millot vines.

Wines to Try

Keuka Lake Vineyards has exceptional Rieslings. Try the dry Riesling for a more fruit-forward profile. Or the Falling Man Riesling, grown on those dramatic slopes, strikes a beautiful balance with heightened acidity. 

Their herbal Vignoles was a standout too. And for something unique, don’t miss trying the old vine Léon Millot. This deeply colored hybrid grape was created in Alsace in 1911.  

Visiting Tips

During the summer, tastings take place in their rustic barn. Or you can grab a glass of wine and head to the small deck with stunning views of the vineyards and lake. For larger groups, call ahead to make sure they can accommodate you.

Keuka Lake Vineyards, 8882 Co Rd 76, Hammondsport, NY

4. Ravines Wine Cellars

Founded in 2001 by Morten Hallgren and his chef wife Lisa, Ravines Wine Cellars brings a touch of European magic to the Finger Lakes. 

Morten has winemaking roots in Provence, France, and a degree in enology and viticulture. After working his way through Bordeaux and several other parts of the United States, he landed in the Finger Lakes. And in 1998, he became the chief winemaker at Dr. Konstantin Frank before venturing out on his own.

With Ravines Wine Cellars, Morten pioneered the bone-dry, mineral-style Riesling that has become a Finger Lakes favorite. In 2003, he even won Best Dry Riesling in the World Riesling Cup.

With 130 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards, Ravines grows all its grapes. They specialize in dry, vinifera wines made with European techniques from regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux. And all of their sparkling wines are made in the traditional Champagne method. 

Wines to Try

Try the White Springs Riesling for beautiful floral aromas and distinctive minerality. I also thought the Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc was stellar too. 

And for something unique, check out the sparkling Riesling. Made from nobly rotted grapes, it has a golden color. And it offers lovely honey, orange, and brioche flavors. 

Visiting Tips

Ravines has two tasting rooms in the Finger Lakes. The Keuka Lake location includes a cozy indoor tasting room (reservations required!). Plus, a spacious outdoor patio overlooking the lake. 

And if you get a chance to visit the Seneca Lake location near Geneva, don’t miss their food and wine experiences. They were rated one of the top winery kitchens by Food & Wine magazine!

Ravines Wine Cellars, 14630 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY

5. McGregor Vineyard

In the 1960s, Bob and Marge McGregor embarked on an adventure to find the perfect vineyard spot. It took some time, but in 1971, they finally snagged 70 acres on Keuka Lake’s east side. 

Planting 28 acres, McGregor Vineyard became one of New York State’s early pioneers in Vitis vinifera. And in 1980, they proudly popped the cork on their first vintage. Fast forward to today, and the second generation is carrying the McGregor torch.

Everything at McGregor Vineyard is done by hand, from harvesting the grapes to crafting the wines. They’re all about quality, keeping yields low. 

But let’s talk about their claim to fame — Saperavi. This ancient grape from the Republic of Georgia is a rare find in the U.S. McGregor Vineyard was America’s first commercially successful Saperavi producer. This bold red wine ages like a boss, at least 8-10 years and some even longer. 

Wines to Try

During my visit, I did a comparison tasting of the 2019 Saperavi Reserve vs. the 2017 Grand Reserve, and you could already see the difference. The tannins had smoothed out. And it was developing deep earthy notes, balanced nicely with blackberry and black plum. 

Their Cabernet Franc is also delicious, with soft tannins and ripe berry flavors. And I enjoyed their Gewürztraminer — perfumed but not too overpowering as some can be.

Visiting Tips

When you visit, prepare to be wowed. Their rustic tasting room has spectacular views overlooking scenic Keuka Lake. You’ll be treated to a seated tasting with tasty food pairing bites. 

Oh, and don’t forget to book ahead — reservations are recommended. But if you didn’t plan ahead, they’ll do their best to accommodate you.

McGregor Vineyard, 5503 Dutch St, Dundee, NY

6. Heron Hill Winery

Architecture lovers and wine enthusiasts alike will want to make time for Heron Hill Winery. Their stunning Greek Revival-style tasting hall, perched on Keuka Lake’s hillside, was named one of the Top 10 Most Spectacular Tasting Rooms in the World by Travel + Leisure.

Heron Hill’s roots trace back to 1972, when John and Josephine Ingle planted the original Ingle Vineyard on the west side of Canandaigua Lake. When selling their grapes proved challenging, they turned them into wine themselves and never looked back.

The production facility on Keuka Lake came first, followed by the addition of their grand tasting room in 2000. Today, Heron Hill manages 43 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards across three locations, with winemaker Jordan Harris crafting their lineup of award-winning wines.

And if you’re exploring beyond Keuka, don’t miss their charming satellite tasting room on the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail.

Wines to Try

Heron Hill’s reds were a standout. The 2020 Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Franc had a great mix of spice and ripe cherry and plum. The Reserve Red, a smooth blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, was a favorite.

And don’t miss their Dancing Bear label for fun picks like white Pinot Noir and sparkling Blaufränkisch rosé.

Visiting Tips

Create your own custom flight of 5 wines, choosing from a variety of dry, semi-dry, and sweet options, including whites, reds, and sparklers. For an added treat, pair your tasting with a snack box of local meats and cheeses.

Reservations are recommended (and required for groups of 6 or more). Bonus: Heron Hill is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along!

Heron Hill Winery, 9301 Co Rd 76, Hammondsport, NY

7. Living Roots

For a taste of Down Under right here in the Finger Lakes, head to Living Roots. This winery offers some of the best views of Keuka Lake, perched high on a hill overlooking the vineyard and water.

Founded in 2016 by Sebastian and Colleen Hardy, Living Roots is a true family affair. Seb comes from a long line of viticulturalists in Australia, while Colleen’s family owns a vineyard on Keuka Lake. The two met when Colleen worked a harvest at Seb’s family winery. And now they’ve built a life, and a winery, that blends their roots from both sides of the world.

Living Roots produces cool-climate wines from the Finger Lakes and bolder reds from South Australia, sourcing grapes from their family’s vineyards in both regions. While their original winery and tasting room is in Rochester, they opened a second location in 2023 at the family vineyard on Keuka Lake.

The new space is modern and inviting, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning views of the lake and vineyards. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a glass in hand while soaking up the scenery.

Wines to Try

Living Roots offers an impressive lineup of sparkling wines, from traditional method to pét-nat styles. You’ll find options made with classics like Chardonnay and Riesling, plus some unique hybrid varieties that add a fun twist.

For whites, their dry and off-dry Rieslings stand out, alongside crisp Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. And don’t miss the Cabernet Franc. It’s an elegant red with fruit-forward notes and just a hint of spice.

Visiting Tips

The tasting room is open for walk-ins Wednesdays through Mondays, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options.

Pick from wine flights featuring Finger Lakes and Australian wines. Or enjoy a glass of your favorite. Hungry? Try unique snacks like Aussie cheese, Kangaroo jerky, or tinned fish for a fun pairing.

Living Roots, 8560 County Road 87, Hammondsport, NY

8. Domaine LeSeurre Winery

Domaine LeSeurre is where French flair meets Finger Lakes fun. Conveniently located next door to Weis Vineyards on the east side of the lake, this winery is the brainchild of Céline and Sébastien LeSeurre.  

The two come from French winemaking families. After pursuing wine-related degrees and working in wine regions throughout the world, Céline and Sébastien met in New Zealand. Together, they embarked on a global winemaking adventure before falling in love with the Finger Lakes region.

At Domaine LeSeurre, they source grapes from local growers and age their wines in French oak barrels of varying ages. They’re also dabbling in traditional method sparkling wines, although these are only available through the wine club. 

Wines to Try

While Domaine LeSeurre makes a variety of wines, I was partial to their red wines. Try the Reserve Special Blend — a delightful mix of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. I also enjoyed the spicy Lemberger and the light and savory Pinot Noir.

Visiting Tips

No reservations are needed for standing tastings at the bar. Afterwards, you can relax on their outdoor terrace and enjoy beautiful lake views while sampling their selection of boards, local cheeses, and French gourmet treats.

Or for an elevated tasting, reserve a spot for a wine and food experience. Wine and French macaron pairings? Yes, please!

Domaine LeSeurre, 13920 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY

FAQs About Visiting Wineries on Keuka Lake

When Is the Best Time to Visit Keuka Lake Wineries?

The sweet spot is typically from May to October when the weather is warm and the vineyards are at their prime. But each season offers its own charm, whether you want to soak in autumn’s vibrant hues or cozy up for more intimate tastings during the winter off-season.

If you’re there in July, check out the Finger Lakes Wine Festival to sample fabulous wines from many of the region’s producers. And enjoy live music and culinary classes.

How Many Wineries Are Around Keuka Lake?

Keuka Lake is home to about 20 wineries, including renowned producers and small family-owned estates.

Are Wineries in the finger lakes open Year-round?

Many of the wineries in the Finger Lakes, including the ones around Keuka Lake, are open year-round. Just be sure to check their website before stopping by in the off-season.

Do You Need Reservations for wineries on keuka lake?

Not all Keuka Lake wineries require a reservation. But it’s a wise move to make one, especially on weekends and holidays.

Some have limited spots for tastings and tours, so reserving in advance ensures you’ll snag your preferred time slot. And you won’t be stuck waiting, or worse, turned away.

Check out my other winery tasting room etiquette tips.

How Much is a Tasting at keuka lake wineries?

With tasting fees averaging just $10 to $15, the Finger Lakes region is a steal compared to other popular U.S. wine regions. And the Keuka Lake Wine Trail has it’s own wine passport for even more savings on tastings and purchases.

Find out more about wine tasting prices. And learn ways to save money on your wine country trips with travel rewards.

Can I Bring My Kids to the Wineries?

Many of the Finger Lakes wineries are fine with the kiddos joining. Some even offer grape juice or other non-alcoholic beverages to keep the little sippers happy. Just keep in mind that policies vary, so check the winery’s website before packing up the crew.